Search form

Social Menu

To Market: Holiday Shopping in NYC

To Market: Holiday Shopping in NYC

'Tis the season for holiday shopping and NYC is teeming with stores selling everything from that must-have watch for Dad, sparkling baubles for Mom and great finds for everyone in between. But, low and behold, this time of year the city also makes room for holiday markets—temporary bazaars normally draped in festive décor where vendors sell everything from the unusual to the conventional. If standing in line at a department store isn’t your cup of tea, then check out one of these markets below.

Columbus Circle Holiday MarketOpen thru December 24, this Midtown market is located in the southwest corner of Central Park, with more than 100 unique booths. When shopping for artist friends, head to Natchie Art. After writing, producing and releasing a song, singer/songwriter Nadia Ackerman draws an image that represents the meaning of it all. At Natchie Art, shoppers receive a free download and lyrics of the song associated with each product that she produces. For the ultimate statement jewelry, pieces in With Roots “homegrown” jewelry line feature a tiny terrarium with real plants living inside. And the foodies on your list might enjoy delectable desserts from The Baking Bean. Best part? The market is only steps from Central Park, so visitors can explore this winter wonderland before or after shopping. The market is open Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant ParkAlso in Midtown, visitors can make a whole day of exploring this European-inspired, open-air destination. After exploring the markets 125-plus boutique-like shops—housed in “jewel box” kiosks and offering everything from apparel and jewelry to decorative goods and locals foods—visitors can take a spin on the park’s free ice-skating rink, ride Le Carrousel, dine with rink views at Celsius or get warm near the fire pit at Southwest Porch. The shops will remain open thru January 4, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The rink remains open thru March 1.

Union Square Holiday MarketA little further downtown, visitors can shop a plethora of creative merchandise in the holly-lined and Christmas lights-adorned aisles of the Union Square Holiday Market. Several vendors are locally based—which guarantees a personal story to go along with your purchases. Some cool vendors include ProPueblo, an Ecuadorian Fair Trade foundation that supports local artisans who create little figurines, ornaments, and jewelry out of a palm tree nut called Tagua; MoshgansArt, which displays and sells oil paintings and acrylics in galleries, markets and outdoor art shows; and Lil’ Fishy, which sells handmade, stylish clothes for children and infants, and dresses, jewelry and accessories for their moms. Shoppers can also find comforting fare and cold-weather beverages—from authentic Persian soup to rich hot chocolate. The market is open thru December 24 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. during weekdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Artists & Fleas at Chelsea MarketThis BK bazaar boasts an outpost in Chelsea market and, with its 30-plus vendors selling goods of the locally made, quirky and avant-garde variety (think vinyl records, vintage threads, and jewelry assembled right on the spot), this is the perfect pick for shopping for those hipsters on your list. The market is open Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The market will be open on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., New Year’s Eve from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and New Year’s Day from noon to 7 p.m.